International Anvil

The Manchester International Festival showcased a series of events commemorating the Peterloo massacre, which took place on 16th August 1819. "At Waterloo, there was man to man, but at Peterloo, there was downright murder". Cavalry charged men, women and children killing 18 of the tens of thousands in the crowd who were protesting for a vote and for a better life. The Anvil was an all day event that followed events via the places that are there now. The Halle Orchestra and Choirs performed a specially commissioned piece which I found thoroughly bewildering but interesting. Recovered at the "rooftop" glasshouse bar that has been set up near the town hall with a glass of English sparkling wine, which my Scottish friend found highly entertaining. Lovely to catch up with friends and try something new. Sometimes it can feel like your world has shrunk but a new window can open any time.